title: Analysis of intraoperative transfusions of red blood cell concentrates in adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) concentrates is the most common allogeneic transplantation. The aim of the study was to analyse the indications for RBC transfusions, compared to the estimated intraoperative blood loss and the actual requirements for blood transfusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analysed the files of 250 adult patients who were transfused over the year 2006, during various general, oncologic, trauma, vascular, plastic and thoracic surgical procedures. Preoperative screening was done in a hospital laboratory, whereas postoperative haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit were assessed at the bedside using a co-oximeter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of RBC transfusions were started at relatively high haemoglobin concentrations (mean 5.6 mmol L⁻¹), contrary to the current guidelines. A high correlation coefficient (r=0.82) was found between the estimated blood loss and the volume of RBCs transfused; therefore we concluded that the observed blood loss was the main factor in transfusion decisions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite enormous progress in transfusion science, the current practice in our institution is still far from ideal; RBCs are frequently transfused too early and without a real indication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Gdańsk. wsawicka@gumed.edu.pl
authors.forename: Wioletta
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sawicka
authors.forename: Radosław
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Owczuk
authors.forename: Magdalena A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Wujtewicz
authors.forename: Stanisław
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hać
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wujtewicz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D003657:Decision Making; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000379:methods; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010092:Oximetry; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins